Gransnet forums

Ask a gran

Pre diabetes

(17 Posts)
nanna8 Wed 14-Oct-26 00:01:54

I was diagnosed as diabetic many years ago so I went on a strict diet and lost 10 kgs. Since then I am regarded as pre diabetic but not diabetic. I check my blood sugar a couple of times a week and it is ok. I have never had to take medication and I don’t want to. I still eat some sweet things but not so many now. I try to walk most days, cut down on booze and only have pizzas occasionally because they send the old sugars sky high for me. Good to catch it early, you can reverse it and stop it affecting eyes etc.

Floradora9 Tue 13-Oct-26 21:44:07

Bear in mind that all cases of Type 2 are not caused by diet or because of being overweight. My GP assured me there was no way I could have avoided developing type2 it was in my genes . For years I had to make sure I are regular meals my blood sugar would fall too low id I did not do so and I felt weak and unsteady . I always thought that would exclude me from developing diabetes but was told that is a good indicator that I in fact would .

Granatlast007 Tue 13-Oct-26 21:25:45

Iam64

I know many pre diabetics, including myself. I eat well but did find knocking off biscuits and cakes reduced then maintained me at pre limits

Me too Iam64. My HbA1c test came out at 41, I used to eat cakes and biscuits and items like chocolate mousse after meals, I've stopped them completely and eat yoghurt and fruit instead. My level dropped to 39 and just recently 37.

I do a fair amount of exercise in the gym, cycling and walking but not an excessive amount. I'm very pleased at the outcome and I've lost my sweet tooth, it's been worth it.

Iam64 Tue 13-Oct-26 21:09:50

I know many pre diabetics, including myself. I eat well but did find knocking off biscuits and cakes reduced then maintained me at pre limits

Suki70 Tue 13-Oct-26 21:06:50

grannyjan2 As prediabetes is diagnosed by an HbA1c test I don’t see the need for a face to face appointment with a GP. The results of my annual blood test appear on the NHS app and if necessary I have a follow up with a health care assistant.
The reason for these diagnoses is to try to prevent people developing Type2 diabetes , which seems to be at epidemic proportions and causes so many serious health problems. I’m grateful for the warning.

David49 Tue 13-Oct-26 21:05:52

I probably am pre-diabetic, I have to be careful not to eat or drink too much, so it's moderation in everything and stick to a routine. Im pretty active but if I do have a couple of days doing nothing symptoms return.

crazyH Tue 13-Oct-26 20:43:34

So am I - ‘pre diabetic’ 😫

Primrose53 Tue 13-Oct-26 20:36:03

grannyjan2

Yes, and I strongly suspect that the GP surgeries get increased funding for each "pre-diabetic" they diagnose.
And these are often diagnosed without a face to face appointment.
My husband, for instance.

They do. They fall over themselves to get you diagnosed.

Alwaysworrying Tue 13-Oct-26 20:08:04

Thanks Ladies
For your replies. It’s a bit of a mystery as my diet is really not bad and l’m only just overweight. I don’t drive, live in a hilly area and walk everywhere. Nothing much has changed for me apart from getting older. I will do my best to get it down, but sometimes l think l might prefer to be ignorant of all the things that are wrong with me!

Gwyllt Tue 13-Oct-26 19:47:19

A good few years ago. It was pre covid I was told I was prediabetic. As an ex dietitian I said to myself easy.get that sorted. Cut out the few chocs that I ate. Was generally pretty careful. Upped my walking by a couple of miles a day. We had recently moved and wasn’t walking that much. After three months I eagerly awaited the blood test results. What a disappointment it hadn’t budged at all. However I had reason to review some bloods taken about a year ago and it said non diabetic. So there you go

grannyjan2 Tue 13-Oct-26 19:25:59

Yes, and I strongly suspect that the GP surgeries get increased funding for each "pre-diabetic" they diagnose.
And these are often diagnosed without a face to face appointment.
My husband, for instance.

62Granny Tue 13-Oct-26 16:07:36

MayBee70

I saw a nurse recently about a blood test I’d had and she told me that she couldn’t understand why so many b/t results were suddenly coming back as pre diabetic when she thought they shouldn’t be. I wonder if the guidelines have changed? I think a lot of test results are open to interpretation and the results have been simplified when, in fact they are more complicated and other factors need taking into account.

I think the answer would be that previously they didn't test for Pre Diabetic and would only be diabetic or not now they are saying "Well if you start doing something now it won't get worse" So yes they are more people being diagnosed.

MayBee70 Tue 13-Oct-26 14:19:48

I saw a nurse recently about a blood test I’d had and she told me that she couldn’t understand why so many b/t results were suddenly coming back as pre diabetic when she thought they shouldn’t be. I wonder if the guidelines have changed? I think a lot of test results are open to interpretation and the results have been simplified when, in fact they are more complicated and other factors need taking into account.

lovemarmite Tue 13-Oct-26 14:16:59

I was told I was prediabetic with a HbAlc of 41. Had a blood test 2 months later and now mid 30’s. I always do 15 mins of exercise after every meal, and eat more fibre. I’ve never had much sugary food or drinks. Good sleep is still eluding me, but is supposed to help.
It’s better to tackle as soon as you find out rather than let it develop.

HowVeryDareYou2 Tue 13-Oct-26 14:08:54

I think most people, over a certain age, are pre-Diabetic. I'm 67 and my HbA1c was 47. I lost some weight (3st) and it's now 35.

midgey Tue 13-Oct-26 10:45:23

I’ve been pre diabetic for years!

Alwaysworrying Tue 13-Oct-26 10:19:56

Hello
I have just been told that l have pre diabetes my HbA1c level is 42
Can anyone relate please? My diet is reasonably good and l walk everywhere. I’m a little bit overweight but not much as l’m nearly 6 foot tall-thanks so much